AFK-Audio drumbeam is a new customizable force-sensitive multi-touch MIDI controller playable with drumsticks; it’s now on Kickstarter.
Musicians use drum pads to incorporate electronic sounds into classic acoustic drum kits. These pads are loaded with internal samples or connected directly to computers. However, these often take up a lot of space.
The young German company AFK-Audio has developed drumbeam, a new type of drumming controller that is also interesting for non-drummers.
AFK-Audio drumbeam
drumbeam is a new force-sensitive multi-touch MIDI controller designed to play with drumsticks. It’s not an ordinary MIDI controller, so not a keyboard or interface with buttons and knobs.
It’s a narrow pole made of aluminum with a high-quality silicone surface packed with the latest technology. Drumbeam measures 52 x 2.4 x 3.2 cm and weighs around 800g, so it can easily be attached to many portable and studio setups, such as a drum kit.
The developers promise that the MIDI controller is designed for longevity without promising portability.
drumbeam’s surface uses sensors that detect each hit’s exact force and position. This allows you to use the drumbeat in a variety of applications, including trigger samples with seamless fading, multi-touch performances, and real-time modulation of MIDI CC controls.
Customizable Interface
Exciting is that you can completely customize the drumming-playing interface. You can adjust its size to up to 18 drum segments. Then, you can modify the color and brightness of each segment, set the velocity, and more.
These adjustments are represented by LED guides on the front and back of the controller. This allows the player and the audience to see the interaction with the controller.
Connectivity
The interface offers a USB-C port and TRS-MIDI for connectivity to any MIDI-capable device, computer, tablet, or phone. For example, you can connect it to a hardware sampler and play the sample slots with the different zones of the AFK-audio drumbeam.
AFK-Audio Drumbeam First Impression
An exciting new MIDI controller. Even though it is primarily designed for drumming, I think it can expand any non-drum-focused setup with another experimentally playable surface.
You can support the AFK-Audio drumbeam now on Kickstarter starting at 349€. The developers plans to start delivery in March 2024. Crowdfunding campaigns can involve risk. See the project site for details.
More information here: AFK-Audio / Kickstarter
Great idea, love that the impact zones are configurable.
Mechanically I think a single central support is probably not wise, constant impacts near the ends might cause the centre mount to fail.
I would prefer two mount points equidistant from the centre, spreading the load from the impacts, just my thoughts.